Deformed pile shaft for providing gripping contact with a supporting medium and resisting the supporting medium from shearing

ABSTRACT

A pile includes a shaft; and a soil displacement head or a helical blade with a leading edge and a trailing edge, operatively connected to a first end of the shaft; the shaft having deformations formed thereon to provide a gripping interface between a supporting medium and the shaft.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

The present application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 62/748,493, filed on Oct.21, 2018. The entire content of U.S. Provisional Patent Application,Ser. No. 62/748,493, filed on Oct. 21, 2018, is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

Conventional piles are metal tubes having either a circular or arectangular cross-section. Such piles are mounted in the ground toprovide a support structure for the construction of superstructures. Thepiles are provided in sections that are driven into the ground.

An example of a conventional pile is illustrated in FIG. 1. Morespecifically, FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of an augergrouted pile.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an auger grouted pile 100 includes anelongated, tubular pipe 102 with a hollow central chamber, a top section104 and a bottom section 106. Bottom section 106 includes a soil(medium) displacement head 108. Top section 104 includes a reverse auger110. Soil (medium) displacement head 108 has a helical blade 112 thathas a leading edge 114 and a trailing edge 116.

The leading edge 114 of helical blade 112 cuts into the soil (medium) asthe pile is rotated into the soil (medium) at such contact point. Thesoil (medium) displacement head 108 may be equipped with a point 118 topromote this cutting.

The soil (medium) passes over helical blade 112 and thereafter pasttrailing edge 116. The uppermost portion of helical blade 112 includes adeformation structure 120 that displaces the soil (medium) to createirregularities in an annulus formed by a lateral compaction element 119.

It is noted that some conventional piles have a cutting tip that permitsthem to be rapidly deployed. By rotating the pile, the helical bladepulls the pile into the ground (medium), thus greatly reducing theamount of downward force necessary to bury the pile. Unfortunately, therotary action of the pile also loosens the soil which holds the pile inplace. This reduces the amount of vertical support the pile provides.

Sometimes, grout or other supporting medium is introduced around thepile in an attempt to solidify the volume around the pile and thuscompensate for the loose soil. In addition, to providing grout to thearea around the pile, the grout, to be effective, needs to be able togrip or have a frictional contact with the pile to prevent any slippagebetween the grout and the pile, thereby strengthening the verticalsupport the pile provides.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,810 discloses a helical pile that includes a shaftwith rounded notches laid out in a precise non-random pattern tofacilitate a helical plate to be screwed onto the shaft.

The rounded notches are only on the extreme corners of the square shaftand thereby the rounded notches do not provide a substantial resistanceto shear in the supporting medium or grout that may be added to the borehole. Moreover, the rounded nature of the notches on the shaft does notprovide gripping or frictional contact with the grout to preventslippage between the grout and the pile.

Additionally, the very small area of the notches on the shaft does notprovide gripping or frictional contact with the supporting medium orgrout to prevent any slippage between the supporting medium or grout andthe pile.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a pile that is configured orshaped to provide gripping or frictional contact with the supportingmedium or grout to prevent any slippage between the supporting medium orgrout and the pile, thereby strengthening the vertical support the pileprovides.

Also, it is desirable to provide a pile that is configured or shaped toresist the supporting medium or grout from shearing along its surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating various embodimentsand are not to be construed as limiting, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional pile;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a pile for providing gripping contactwith a supporting medium or grout and resisting the supporting medium orgrout from shearing;

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of a pile for providing grippingcontact with a supporting medium or grout and resisting the supportingmedium or grout from shearing;

FIG. 4 illustrates a third example of a pile for providing grippingcontact with a supporting medium or grout and resisting the supportingmedium or grout from shearing;

FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth example of a pile for providing grippingcontact with a supporting medium or grout and resisting the supportingmedium or grout from shearing;

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a bottom section of the pile of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a bottom section of the pile of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a bottom section of the pile of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a bottom section of the pile of FIG. 5;

FIG. 14 illustrates another example of bottom section of the pile ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 15 illustrates another example of bottom section of the pile ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 16 illustrates another example of bottom section of the pile ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 17 illustrates another example of bottom section of the pile ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 18 illustrates a pile having an auger for providing grippingcontact with a supporting medium or grout and resisting the supportingmedium or grout from shearing;

FIG. 19 illustrates another example of a pile for providing grippingcontact with a supporting medium or grout and resisting the supportingmedium or grout from shearing; and

FIG. 20 illustrates a pile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. In thedrawings, like references have been used throughout to designateidentical or equivalent elements. It is also noted that the drawings maynot have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have beenpurposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and concepts maybe properly illustrated.

An example of a pile for providing gripping contact with a supportingmedium or grout and resisting the supporting medium or grout fromshearing is illustrated in FIG. 2. More specifically, FIG. 2 is aschematic view of one embodiment of a pile.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a pile 100 includes a threaded shaft 300. Abottom section of the pile 100 includes a soil (medium) displacementhead 108. Soil (medium) displacement head 108 has a helical blade 112that has a leading edge 114 and a trailing edge 116.

It is noted that the threaded shaft 300 may be realized by including asingle continuous raised helical thread (rib) on the outer surface ofthe shaft or a single continuous helical channel on the outer surface ofthe shaft. It is further noted that the threaded shaft 300 may berealized by including a plurality of raised rings, each raised ringencircling the outer surface of the shaft. It is also noted that thethreaded shaft 300 may be realized by including a plurality of ringedchannels, each ringed channel encircling the outer surface of the shaft.

The leading edge 114 of helical blade 112 cuts into the soil (medium) asthe pile 100 is rotated. The soil (medium) displacement head 108 may beequipped with a point 118 to promote this cutting.

The soil (medium) passes over helical blade 112 and thereafter pasttrailing edge 116. As the soil (medium) passes over helical blade 112,the soil (medium) is laterally compacted by lateral compaction elements119 (lateral compaction elements 200 are discussed in more detail belowwith respect to FIGS. 6, 8, 10, and 12). The lateral compaction elements119 create an annulus having outer wall 500 and void 510.

The uppermost portion of helical blade 112 may include a deformationstructure 120 (located near the trailing edge 116) that displaces thesoil (medium) to create a spiral groove in the outer wall 500 of theannulus.

After the pile 100 is driven into position, supporting medium or grout(not shown) may be introduced into the void 510 of the annulus. Thesupporting medium or grout can be introduced by means of gravity orpressure into the void 510 of the annulus.

Additionally, since the pile 100 may be a hollow tube, the supportingmedium or grout can be introduced into the void 510 of the annulusthrough the hollow tube by means of gravity or pressure, wherein thepile 100 would include openings (not shown) that allows the supportingmedium or grout to leave the pile and enter into the void 510 of theannulus.

The introduced supporting medium or grout surrounds the threaded shaft300 of the pile 100. The threaded surface of the threaded shaft 300 ofthe pile 100 provides a gripping interface between the supporting mediumor grout and the pile 100, as well as, provides an interface thatresists the supporting medium or grout from shearing along the surfacebetween the supporting medium or grout and the pile 100.

Another example of a pile for providing gripping contact with thesupporting medium or grout and resisting the supporting medium or groutfrom shearing is illustrated in FIG. 3. More specifically, FIG. 3 is aschematic view of one embodiment of a pile.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a pile 100 includes a shaft 400 havingprojections 410 on the outer surface. The projections 410 may berandomly placed on the outer surface of the shaft 400 or be placed in apattern. The projections 410 extend out from the outer surface of theshaft 400 into the void 510 of an annulus without coming into contactwith an outer wall 500 of the annulus.

Preferably, the projections 410 increase the area of the skin resistancewith the supporting medium or grout to resist the grout from shearingalong the surface between the supporting medium or grout and the shaft400.

A bottom section of the pile 100 includes a soil (medium) displacementhead 108. Soil (medium) displacement head 108 has a helical blade 112that has a leading edge 114 and a trailing edge 116.

The leading edge 114 of helical blade 112 cuts into the soil (medium) asthe pile 100 is rotated. The soil (medium) displacement head 108 may beequipped with a point 118 to promote this cutting.

The soil (medium) passes over helical blade 112 and thereafter pasttrailing edge 116. As the soil (medium) passes over helical blade 112,the soil (medium) is laterally compacted by lateral compaction elements119 (discussed in more detail below). The lateral compaction elements119 create an annulus having outer wall 500 and void 510.

The uppermost portion of helical blade 112 may include a deformationstructure 120 that displaces the soil (medium) to create a spiral groovein the outer wall 500 of the annulus.

After the pile 100 is driven into position, supporting medium or grout(not shown) may be introduced into the void 510 of the annulus. Thesupporting medium or grout can be introduced by means of gravity orpressure into the void 510 of the annulus.

Additionally, since the pile 100 may be a hollow tube, the supportingmedium or grout can be introduced into the void 510 of the annulusthrough the hollow tube by means of gravity or pressure, wherein thepile 100 would include openings (not shown) that allows the supportingmedium or grout to leave the pile and enter into the void 510 of theannulus.

The introduced supporting medium or grout surrounds the projections 410of the shaft 400. The projections 410 of the shaft 400 provide grippinginterface between the supporting medium or grout and the shaft 400, aswell as, provide an interface that resists the supporting medium orgrout from shearing along the surface between the supporting medium orgrout and the shaft 400.

A third example of a pile for providing gripping contact with thesupporting medium or grout and resisting the supporting medium or groutfrom shearing is illustrated in FIG. 4. More specifically, FIG. 4 is aschematic view of one embodiment of a pile.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a pile 100 includes a shaft 400 havingindentations 420 on the outer surface. The indentations 420 may berandomly placed on the outer surface of the shaft 400 or be placed in apattern. The indentations 420 extend inwardly from the outer surface ofthe shaft 400 away from the void 510 of an annulus.

Preferably, the indentations 420 increase the area of the skinresistance with the supporting medium or grout to resist the supportingmedium or grout from shearing along the surface between the supportingmedium or grout and the shaft 400.

A bottom section of the pile 100 includes a soil (medium) displacementhead 108. Soil (medium) displacement head 108 has a helical blade 112that has a leading edge 114 and a trailing edge 116.

The leading edge 114 of helical blade 112 cuts into the soil (medium) asthe pile 100 is rotated. The soil (medium) displacement head 108 may beequipped with a point 118 to promote this cutting.

The soil (medium) passes over helical blade 112 and thereafter pasttrailing edge 116. As the soil (medium) passes over helical blade 112,the soil (medium) is laterally compacted by lateral compaction elements119 (discussed in more detail below). The lateral compaction elements119 create an annulus having outer wall 500 and void 510.

The uppermost portion of helical blade 112 may include a deformationstructure 120 that displaces the soil (medium) to create a spiral groovein the outer wall 500 of the annulus.

After the pile 100 is driven into position, supporting medium or grout(not shown) may be introduced into the void 510 of the annulus. Thesupporting medium or grout can be introduced by means of gravity orpressure into the void 510 of the annulus.

Additionally, since the pile 100 may be a hollow tube, the supportingmedium or grout can be introduced into the void 510 of the annulusthrough the hollow tube by means of gravity or pressure, wherein thepile 100 would include openings (not shown) that allows the supportingmedium or grout to leave the pile and enter into the void 510 of theannulus.

The introduced supporting medium or grout surrounds the indentations 420of the shaft 400. The indentations 420 of the shaft 400 provide grippinginterface between the supporting medium or grout and the shaft 400, aswell as, provide an interface that resists the supporting medium orgrout from shearing along the surface between the supporting medium orgrout and the shaft 400.

A fourth example of a pile for providing gripping contact with thesupporting medium or grout and resisting the supporting medium or groutfrom shearing is illustrated in FIG. 5. More specifically, FIG. 5 is aschematic view of one embodiment of a pile.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a pile 100 includes a shaft 400 havingindentations 420 and projections 410 on the outer surface. Theindentations 420 and projections 410 may be randomly placed on the outersurface of the shaft 400 or be placed in a pattern. The indentations 420extend inwardly from the outer surface of the shaft 400 away from thevoid 510 of an annulus, and the projections 410 extend out from theouter surface of the shaft 400 into the void 510 of an annulus withoutcoming into contact with an outer wall 500 of the annulus.

Preferably, the projections 410 and the indentations 420 increase thearea of the skin resistance with the supporting medium or grout toresist the supporting medium or grout from shearing along the surfacebetween the supporting medium or grout and the shaft 400.

A bottom section of the pile 100 includes a soil (medium) displacementhead 108. Soil (medium) displacement head 108 has a helical blade 112that has a leading edge 114 and a trailing edge 116.

The leading edge 114 of helical blade 112 cuts into the soil (medium) asthe pile 100 is rotated. The soil (medium) displacement head 108 may beequipped with a point 118 to promote this cutting.

The soil (medium) passes over helical blade 112 and thereafter pasttrailing edge 116. As the soil (medium) passes over helical blade 112,the soil (medium) is laterally compacted by lateral compaction elements(discussed in more detail below). The lateral compaction elements createan annulus having outer wall 500 and void 510.

The uppermost portion of helical blade 112 may include a deformationstructure 120 that displaces the soil (medium) to create a spiral groovein the outer wall 500 of the annulus.

After the pile 100 is driven into position, supporting medium or grout(not shown) may be introduced into the void 510 of the annulus. Thesupporting medium or grout can be introduced by means of gravity orpressure into the void 510 of the annulus.

Additionally, since the pile 100 may be a hollow tube, the supportingmedium or grout can be introduced into the void 510 of the annulusthrough the hollow tube by means of gravity or pressure, wherein thepile 100 would include openings (not shown) that allows the supportingmedium or grout to leave the pile and enter into the void 510 of theannulus.

The introduced supporting medium or grout surrounds the indentations 420and projections 410 of the shaft 400. The indentations 420 andprojections 410 of the shaft 400provide gripping interface between thesupporting medium or grout and the shaft 400, as well as, provide aninterface that resists the supporting medium or grout from shearingalong the surface between the supporting medium or grout and the shaft400.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are side and perspective views of the bottom section ofthe pile of FIG. 2. The bottom section includes at least one lateralcompaction element. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, there arethree such lateral compaction elements. The lateral compaction element200 near the end of the pile has a diameter less than the diameter fromthe lateral compaction element 220 near deformation structure 120. Thelateral compaction element 210 in the middle has a diameter that isbetween the diameters of the other two lateral compaction elements.

In this fashion, the soil is laterally compacted by the first lateralcompaction element 200, more compacted by the second lateral compactionelement 210 (enlarging the diameter of the bored hole) and even morecompacted by the third lateral compaction element 220.

The helical blade 112 primarily cuts into the soil and only performsminimal soil compaction. The deformation structure 120 is disposed abovethe lateral compaction elements (200, 210, and 220). After the widestcompaction element 220 has established an annulus with a regulardiameter, deformation structure 120 cuts into the edge of the outer wall500 of the annulus to leave a spiral pattern in the annulus's perimeteror circumference.

It is noted that, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the deformation structure120 has a height that changes over the length of the deformationstructure 120 from its greatest height at end 206 to a lesser height atend 208 as the deformation structure 120 coils about the pile in ahelical configuration.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are side and perspective views of the bottom section ofthe pile of FIG. 3. The bottom section includes at least one lateralcompaction element. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, there arethree such lateral compaction elements. The lateral compaction element200 near the end of the pile has a diameter less than the diameter fromthe lateral compaction element 220 near deformation structure 120. Thelateral compaction element 210 in the middle has a diameter that isbetween the diameters of the other two lateral compaction elements.

In this fashion, the soil is laterally compacted by the first lateralcompaction element 200, more compacted by the second lateral compactionelement 210 (enlarging the diameter of the bored hole) and even morecompacted by the third lateral compaction element 220.

The helical blade 112 primarily cuts into the soil and only performsminimal soil compaction. The deformation structure 120 is disposed abovethe lateral compaction elements (200, 210, and 220). After the widestcompaction element 200 has established an annulus with a regulardiameter, deformation structure 120 cuts into the edge of the outer wall500 of the annulus to leave a spiral pattern in the annulus's perimeteror circumference.

It is noted that, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the deformation structure120 has a height that changes over the length of the deformationstructure 120 from its greatest height at end 206 to a lesser height atend 208 as the deformation structure 120 coils about the pile in ahelical configuration.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are side and perspective views of the bottom section ofthe pile of FIG. 4. The bottom section includes at least one lateralcompaction element. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, thereare three such lateral compaction elements. The lateral compactionelement 200 near the end of the pile has a diameter less than thediameter from the lateral compaction element 220 near deformationstructure 120. The lateral compaction element 210 in the middle has adiameter that is between the diameters of the other two lateralcompaction elements.

In this fashion, the soil is laterally compacted by the first lateralcompaction element 200, more compacted by the second lateral compactionelement 210 (enlarging the diameter of the bored hole) and even morecompacted by the third lateral compaction element 220.

The helical blade 112 primarily cuts into the soil and only performsminimal soil compaction. The deformation structure 120 is disposed abovethe lateral compaction elements (200, 210, and 220). After the widestcompaction element 200 has established an annulus with a regulardiameter, deformation structure 120 cuts into the edge of the outer wall500 of the annulus to leave a spiral pattern in the annulus's perimeteror circumference.

It is noted that, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the deformation structure120 has a height that changes over the length of the deformationstructure 120 from its greatest height at end 206 to a lesser height atend 208 as the deformation structure 120 coils about the pile in ahelical configuration.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are side and perspective views of the bottom section ofthe pile of FIG. 5. The bottom section includes at least one lateralcompaction element. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, thereare three such lateral compaction elements. The lateral compactionelement 200 near the end of the pile has a diameter less than thediameter from the lateral compaction element 220 near deformationstructure 120. The lateral compaction element 210 in the middle has adiameter that is between the diameters of the other two lateralcompaction elements.

In this fashion, the soil is laterally compacted by the first lateralcompaction element 200, more compacted by the second lateral compactionelement 210 (enlarging the diameter of the bored hole) and even morecompacted by the third lateral compaction element 220.

The helical blade 112 primarily cuts into the soil and only performsminimal soil compaction. The deformation structure 120 is disposed abovethe lateral compaction elements (200, 210, and 220). After the widestcompaction element 200 has established an annulus with a regulardiameter, deformation structure 120 cuts into the edge of the outer wall500 of the annulus to leave a spiral pattern in the annulus's perimeteror circumference.

It is noted that, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the deformation structure120 has a height that changes over the length of the deformationstructure 120 from its greatest height at end 206 to a lesser height atend 208 as the deformation structure 120 coils about the pile in ahelical configuration.

FIG. 14 illustrates another example of a bottom section of the pile ofFIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the pile includes a threaded shaft300.

It is noted that the threaded shaft 300 may be realized by including asingle continuous raised helical thread (rib) on the outer surface ofthe shaft or a single continuous helical channel on the outer surface ofthe shaft. It is further noted that the threaded shaft 300 may berealized by including a plurality of raised rings, each raised ringencircling the outer surface of the shaft. It is also noted that thethreaded shaft 300 may be realized by including a plurality of ringedchannels, each ringed channel encircling the outer surface of the shaft.

The bottom section of the pile also includes a soil (medium) loosen bitor head 600 to loosen the soil (medium) around the pile as the pile isdriven therein. The soil (medium) loosen bit or head 600 includes alateral compaction structure 700 to laterally compact the loosen soil(medium) to create an annulus with an outer wall 500 and a void 510.

FIG. 15 illustrates another example of a bottom section of the pile ofFIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the pile includes a plurality ofprojections 410 on the outer surface of a shaft 400.

The bottom section of the pile also includes a soil (medium) loosen bitor head 600 to loosen the soil (medium) around the pile as the pile isdriven therein. The soil (medium) loosen bit or head 600 includes alateral compaction structure 700 to laterally compact the loosen soil(medium) to create an annulus with an outer wall 500 and a void 510.

FIG. 16 illustrates another example of a bottom section of the pile ofFIG. 4. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the pile includes a plurality ofindentations 420 on the outer surface of a shaft 400.

The bottom section of the pile also includes a soil (medium) loosen bitor head 600 to loosen the soil (medium) around the pile as the pile isdriven therein. The soil (medium) loosen bit or head 600 includes alateral compaction structure 700 to laterally compact the loosen soil(medium) to create an annulus with an outer wall 500 and a void 510.

FIG. 17 illustrates another example of a bottom section of the pile ofFIG. 5. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the pile includes a plurality ofprojections 410 and a plurality of indentations 420 on the outer surfaceof a shaft 400.

The bottom section of the pile also includes a soil (medium) loosen bitor head 600 to loosen the soil (medium) around the pile as the pile isdriven therein. The soil (medium) loosen bit or head 600 includes alateral compaction structure 700 to laterally compact the loosen soil(medium) to create an annulus with an outer wall 500 and a void 510.

FIG. 18 illustrates a pile 1000 that includes a shaft 1100. The pile1000 includes an auger 1200. The pile 1000 has a blade 1300 that has aleading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge of blade 1300 cutsinto the soil as the pile 1000 is rotated. The pile 1000 may be equippedwith a point 1600 to promote this cutting. The soil passes over blade1300 and thereafter past trailing edge.

The pile 1000 includes a lateral compaction element 1500, located on theelongated, tubular pipe 1100 between the auger 1200 and the blade 1300.The lateral compaction element 1500 laterally compacts the loosen soil(medium) to form an annulus or core.

It is noted that auger 1200 provides a gripping interface between thesupporting medium or grout and the shaft 1100, as well as, provide aninterface that resists the supporting medium or grout from shearingalong the surface between the supporting medium or grout and the shaft1100.

FIG. 19 illustrates a pile 2000 that includes a threaded shaft 2100. Thepile 2000 has a blade 2300 that has a leading edge and a trailing edge.The leading edge of blade 2300 cuts into the soil as the pile 2000 isrotated. The pile 2000 may be equipped with a point 2600 to promote thiscutting. The soil passes over blade 2300 and thereafter past trailingedge.

The threaded shaft 2100 provides a gripping interface between thesupporting medium or grout and the threaded shaft 2100, as well as,provides an interface that resists the supporting medium or grout fromshearing along the surface between the supporting medium or grout andthe threaded shaft 2100. FIG. 20 illustrates a pile 3000 that includes ashaft 3100. The pile 3000 has a blade 3300 that has a leading edge and atrailing edge.

The leading edge of blade 3300 cuts into the soil as the pile 3000 isrotated. The pile 3000 may be equipped with a point 3600 to promote thiscutting. The soil passes over blade 3300 and thereafter past trailingedge.

In the various embodiments described above, the shaft may be a solidbar, a solid pipe, a hollow bar, or a hollow pipe. Moreover, in thevarious embodiments described above, the shaft may be round,rectangular, or square.

In the various embodiments described above, the supporting medium may begrout.

In the various embodiments described above, the embodiments areapplicable to a displacement pile and/or a helical pile.

A pile includes a shaft and a soil displacement head, operativelyconnected to a first end of the shaft, having a helical blade with aleading edge and a trailing edge; the shaft having deformations formedthereon to provide a gripping interface between a supporting medium orgrout and the pile.

The deformations may be threads. The threads may be formed on an entirelength of the shaft.

The deformations may be a plurality of projections projecting away fromthe shaft. The deformations may be a plurality of indentationsprojecting into the shaft. The deformations may be a plurality ofindentations projecting into the shaft and a plurality of projectionsprojecting away from the shaft.

The pile may include a lateral compaction element, located within thehelical blade to laterally compact a medium, as the pile is driven intothe medium, to create an annulus in the medium. The pile may include adeformation structure disposed above the lateral compaction element tocreate a spiral deformation in an outer wall of the annulus.

A pile, includes a shaft and a medium loosen bit to loosen a mediumaround the pile as the pile is driven therein; the medium loosen bitincluding a lateral compaction structure to laterally compact the loosenmedium to create an annulus; the shaft having deformations formedthereon to provide a gripping interface between a supporting medium orgrout and the pile.

The deformations may be threads. The threads may be formed on an entirelength of the shaft. The deformations may be a plurality of projectionsprojecting away from the shaft. The deformations may be a plurality ofindentations projecting into the shaft. The deformations may be aplurality of indentations projecting into the shaft and a plurality ofprojections projecting away from the shaft.

A pile includes a shaft and a helical blade, operatively connected to afirst end of the shaft, having a leading edge and a trailing edge; theshaft having deformations formed thereon to provide a gripping interfacebetween a supporting medium and the pile.

The deformations may be threads. The threads may be formed on an entirelength of the shaft. The deformations may be a plurality of projectionsprojecting away from the shaft. The deformations may be a plurality ofindentations projecting into the shaft. The deformations may be aplurality of indentations projecting into the shaft and a plurality ofprojections projecting away from the shaft.

A pile includes a shaft and a soil displacement head, operativelyconnected to a first end of the shaft, having a helical blade with aleading edge and a trailing edge; the shaft having continuousdeformations formed thereon to provide a gripping interface between asupporting medium and the shaft.

The continuous deformations may be a plurality of raised rings on asurface of the shaft. The continuous deformations may be a plurality ofringed channels on a surface of the shaft.

The plurality of raised rings may be formed on an entire length of theshaft. The plurality of ringed channels may be formed on an entirelength of the shaft.

The pile may include a lateral compaction element, located within thehelical blade to laterally compact a medium, as the pile is driven intothe medium, to create an annulus in the medium.

The pile may include a deformation structure disposed above the lateralcompaction element to create a spiral deformation in an outer wall ofthe annulus.

A pile includes a shaft and a medium loosen bit to loosen a mediumaround the pile as the pile is driven therein; the medium loosen bitincluding a lateral compaction structure to laterally compact the loosenmedium to create an annulus; the shaft having a continuous helicalstructure formed thereon to provide a gripping interface between asupporting medium and the shaft.

A pile includes a shaft and a helical blade, operatively connected to afirst end of the shaft, having a leading edge and a trailing edge; theshaft having a plurality of protrusions formed thereon to provide agripping interface between a supporting medium and the shaft.

The shaft may further include a plurality of indentations projectinginto the shaft.

A pile includes a shaft and a helical blade, operatively connected to afirst end of the shaft, having a leading edge and a trailing edge; theshaft having a plurality of indentations randomly formed thereon toprovide a gripping interface between a supporting medium and the shaft.

It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed embodimentsand other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may bedesirably combined into many other different systems or applications.Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives,modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequentlymade by those skilled in the art which are also intended to beencompassed by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pile, comprising: a shaft; and a soildisplacement head, operatively connected to a first end of said shaft,having a helical blade with a leading edge and a trailing edge; saidshaft having continuous deformations formed thereon to provide agripping interface between a supporting medium and said shaft.
 2. Thepile, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said continuous deformations are aplurality of raised rings on a surface of said shaft.
 3. The pile, asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said continuous deformations are a pluralityof ringed channels on a surface of said shaft.
 4. The pile, as claimedin claim 1, wherein said plurality of raised rings is formed on anentire length of said shaft.
 5. The pile, as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid plurality of ringed channels is formed on an entire length of saidshaft.
 6. The pile, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a lateralcompaction element, located within said helical blade to laterallycompact a medium, as the pile is driven into the medium, to create anannulus in the medium.
 7. The pile, as claimed in claim 6, furthercomprising: a deformation structure disposed above said lateralcompaction element to create a spiral deformation in an outer wall ofthe annulus.
 8. The pile, as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: alateral compaction element, located within said helical blade tolaterally compact a medium, as the pile is driven into the medium, tocreate an annulus in the medium.
 9. The pile, as claimed in claim 8,further comprising: a deformation structure disposed above said lateralcompaction element to create a spiral deformation in an outer wall ofthe annulus.
 10. The pile, as claimed in claim 3, further comprising: alateral compaction element, located within said helical blade tolaterally compact a medium, as the pile is driven into the medium, tocreate an annulus in the medium.
 11. The pile, as claimed in claim 10,further comprising: a deformation structure disposed above said lateralcompaction element to create a spiral deformation in an outer wall ofthe annulus.
 12. A pile, comprising: a shaft; and a medium loosen bit toloosen a medium around the pile as the pile is driven therein; saidmedium loosen bit including a lateral compaction structure to laterallycompact the loosen medium to create an annulus; said shaft having acontinuous helical structure formed thereon to provide a grippinginterface between a supporting medium and said shaft.
 13. A pile,comprising: a shaft; and a helical blade, operatively connected to afirst end of said shaft, having a leading edge and a trailing edge; saidshaft having a plurality of protrusions formed thereon to provide agripping interface between a supporting medium and said shaft.
 14. Thepile, as claimed in claim 13, wherein said shaft further includes aplurality of indentations projecting into said shaft.
 15. A pile,comprising: a shaft; and a helical blade, operatively connected to afirst end of said shaft, having a leading edge and a trailing edge; saidshaft having a plurality of indentations randomly formed thereon toprovide a gripping interface between a supporting medium and said shaft.